Weitz & Luxenberg was recognized as a National Tier 1 firm in the 2019 “Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs” category by U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers. The firm was recognized in the same category regionally in both New York City and New Jersey, and for Personal Injury Litigation in New York City

In addition, more than two dozen of our attorneys were lauded for their individual achievements. Twenty-eight W&L attorneys were named 2018 Super Lawyers for their outstanding performance over the year. Additionally, four attorneys from W&L’s Mesothelioma and Asbestos Practice Group were recognized by the New York Law Journal and Best Lawyers.

“Our firm’s success is only possible because of the outstanding attorneys that dedicate themselves to deserving clients across the country who need legal support,” said co-founder Perry Weitz. “It’s wonderful to be honored by these organizations, but the real reward comes when we help our clients achieve life-changing settlements and verdicts.”

Charles Ferguson Recognized as 2019 New York Mass Tort Lawyer of the Year

The chair of the firm’s Mesothelioma and Asbestos Practice Group, Charles M. Ferguson, was selected as New York Mass Tort Lawyer of the Year 2019 by Best Lawyers. Mr. Ferguson joined Weitz & Luxenberg over 30 years ago and has helped drive the firm’s growth as the nation’s preeminent mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer law firm.

“Charles’s work and dedication to our clients has contributed tremendously to the firm over the last three decades,” said Mr. Weitz. “We are proud to see his body of work recognized by Best Lawyers. Over his career, Charles and his team have helped thousands of mesothelioma victims win more than $8.5 billion in asbestos verdicts and settlements.”

W&L Verdicts Included on New York Law Journal Top Verdicts and Settlements List

Announced in late 2018, W&L achieved the largest verdict of the Top Verdicts and Settlements rankings from the New York Law Journal across all categories for 2017. In January, a jury awarded $75 million to Marlena and Ed Robaey, the single largest verdict ever in New York and the largest single case verdict in the history of the firm. Mr. Robaey, through his job as a maintenance mechanic, was routinely exposed to asbestos in engine gaskets. His wife Marlena contracted mesothelioma as she assisted him when he worked on cars at home and when she laundered his dust-covered clothes. Both were unaware that the dust from the gaskets contained asbestos as there were no warnings on the packaging. The plaintiffs were represented by attorneys Danny R. Kraft, Jr., Peter Tambini, and Managing Attorney Jerry Kristal.

Mr. Kraft was also recognized with the second largest product liability verdict for a $20 million jury verdict on behalf of a marine ship repairman who developed malignant mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos on equipment manufactured by Crane Co.

“This recognition from the New York Law Journal is a testament to the outstanding work our attorneys do each day to advocate for our clients in and out of the courtroom,” said Arthur Luxenberg, co-founder of Weitz & Luxenberg. “I want to thank everyone at our firm who contributed to these successes, and in particular Danny Kraft, who was the lead attorney in both trials.”

W&L Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Ellen Relkin, co-chair of the firm’s Defective Drugs and Devices Practice Group, was named one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in New York — Metro by Super Lawyers 2018 and one of the Top 100 attorneys in New York. She was honored earlier in 2018 with the Gerald B. O’Connor Award from the New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ). In February 2018, Ms. Relkin was invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, a prestigious group of legal professionals devoted to supporting research in the legal and social science fields.

In addition to Ms. Relkin, eight other attorneys from Weitz & Luxenberg were also named 2018 Super Lawyers for their exceptional work during the last year: Lawrence B. Goldhirsch, Robert J. Gordon, Jerry Kristal, Arthur M. Luxenberg, Paul J. Pennock, Michael P. Roberts, Perry Weitz, and Nicholas Wise.

Super Lawyers named 19 W&L attorneys to its 2018 list of Rising Stars in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California. Attorneys are selected annually based on peer evaluation, legal professional achievements, and other distinguishing accomplishments.